Visiting an Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion). After completing dental school, orthodontics dentists pursue further university-based study for two or more years in an accredited orthodontic residency program overseen by full orthodontists.

Through learning about orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (tooth movement and facial development), dental orthodontists become finely trained in the practice of dentistry dealing with straightening teeth and jaws. In fact, most of the members of the American Association of Orthodontics focus their practice on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. An orthodontist is able to treat several forms of malocclusion (Class I, Class II and Class III Malocclusion as per the Angle Classification of Malocclusion) in children, adolescents and adults.

During a routine check-up, if a dentist infers that a child or teenager requires orthodontic treatment, namely braces and other orthodontic appliances, he or she will refer the patient to an orthodontist. The dentist and orthodontist then devise a dental plan for the patient, the orthodontist taking the reigns in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws.

If the dentist suspects that a child as early as six or seven will have serious problems with the alignment of his or her teeth and jaws, the orthodontist may begin interceptive treatment therapy (the use of orthodontic appliances to improve facial growth and allow teeth to come in normally). Most often, however, orthodontics treatment is not recommended until a child reaches adolescence. Your dentist can help you find an orthodontist who will take the correct course in treating various forms of malocclusion.